Karnataka to accord state honours to Chennamma, wife of former PM Deve Gowda
Synopsis
Chennamma, the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, passed away in Bengaluru on 18 July. Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar announced full state honours for her funeral, set for 20 July, describing her as a motherly figure who stood by one of India's most prominent political families through decades of public life.
Key Takeaways
Chennamma , wife of former Prime Minister H.D.
Deve Gowda , passed away in Bengaluru on 18 July .
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K.
Shivakumar announced full state honours for her funeral.
The funeral is scheduled for Monday, 20 July , at the family's Padmanabhanagar residence in Bengaluru.
Shivakumar described Chennamma as 'a motherly figure to politicians across Karnataka.' Condolences have come from leaders across party lines, recognising her humility and decades of service to the Deve Gowda family.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday, 18 July paid his last respects to Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, and announced that the state government would extend full state honours during her funeral. Chennamma passed away in Bengaluru on Saturday, drawing condolences from political leaders across party lines.
State Honours Announced
Shivakumar paid homage to Chennamma's mortal remains at Deve Gowda's residence in Padmanabhanagar, Bengaluru, before speaking to the media. He confirmed that the Karnataka government had already issued instructions to make the necessary arrangements for a state funeral.
'Considering that she was the wife of a former Prime Minister and the mother of a Union Minister, the government has decided to extend state honours,' Shivakumar said. The family has decided to conduct the funeral on Monday, 20 July.
A Pillar of the Deve Gowda Family
Shivakumar described Chennamma as a steadfast presence through every phase of Deve Gowda's long political career. 'She stood beside Deve Gowda through every stage of his political journey. I pray that her soul rests in peace and that her family finds the strength to bear this loss,' he said.
He further described her as deeply spiritual and someone who served one of the country's most prominent political families 'through times of joy and adversity, with unwavering dedication.' The Chief Minister added that Chennamma had made 'countless sacrifices for the success of H.D. Deve Gowda and all members of the family.'
Tributes From Karnataka's Political Fraternity
Shivakumar called Chennamma 'a motherly figure to politicians across Karnataka and an inspiration to all,' saying her demise was a great loss not only to the Gowda family but to the state's political community at large. He noted that her health had been reported as critical in the days preceding her passing.
Condolences have poured in from leaders across the political spectrum, who remembered her humility, devotion, and the quiet but significant role she played in supporting public life in Karnataka over decades.
What Happens Next
The Karnataka government is coordinating funeral arrangements ahead of the 20 July ceremony, which will be conducted with full state honours. Deve Gowda, who served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997, and the wider family are expected to receive continued condolences from national and state leaders in the coming days.
Point of View
Even as the Janata Dal (Secular) navigates a complex coalition landscape. Shivakumar's personal presence and prompt announcement of state honours — from a Congress-led government — signals a deliberate gesture of cross-party respect toward a family that remains a significant force in the state's Vokkaliga community. The tribute also underscores how political spouses, often invisible in official narratives, shape the longevity and resilience of dynastic political careers. Chennamma's role was rarely headlined, but Saturday's outpouring suggests her influence was widely felt.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chennamma, wife of H.D. Deve Gowda?
Chennamma was the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, who led India as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997. She was widely regarded as a steadfast support to the Deve Gowda family through decades of political life and was described by Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar as 'a motherly figure to politicians across Karnataka.'
When did Chennamma pass away?
Chennamma passed away in Bengaluru on Saturday, 18 July. Her health had reportedly been critical in the days before her death.
What are state honours in India?
State honours refer to official recognition extended by a state government during a person's funeral, typically including a guard of honour, a flag-draped coffin, and government coordination of the last rites. Karnataka CM Shivakumar announced these honours for Chennamma given her status as the wife of a former Prime Minister and mother of a Union Minister.
When is Chennamma's funeral scheduled?
The funeral is scheduled for Monday, 20 July, with the Karnataka government making the necessary arrangements for full state honours.
How have political leaders responded to Chennamma's death?
Leaders across party lines have offered condolences, remembering Chennamma for her humility, spiritual nature, and unwavering support to the Deve Gowda family. Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar personally visited the Padmanabhanagar residence to pay his respects.
